Some memories deserve to be kept alive forever.
Kristen Bradish and the family of Kelly Ray Firby, a Clarkston High School student who died in a traffic crash on Nov. 28, 2003, continue to celebrate his life with the second annual CHS Powerlifting meet on March 5 at 9 a.m. in CHS.
‘Out of anything Kelly had ever done, he loved lifting weights and competing,? said Bradish, mother of Kelly’s 10-month-old son, Jacob. ‘Knowing how much he loved (Powerlifting), it’s important to me to see that it stays alive.?
An especially poignant moment at this year’s meet is expected when Kenneth Brown, the other motorist involved in the accident, accepts the Headstrong award. Named after one of Kelly’s favorite songs, by the group Trapt, the award reflects personal courage and perserverance.
?(This event) is something we look forward to. We can just go to it and think of all the good times we had with (Kelly),? said Bradish.
Usually a solitary sport, the meet will feature 13 three man teams of CHS students. The squads will compete for the best cumulative score in the dead lift, squat and bench press.
In a few years, Bradish and Kelly’s family hope the meet will be big enough to invite schools from all over Michigan to compete.
Last year’s inaugural effort raised over $1,000 for the Clarkston Powerlifting team. Donations are being accepted at CHS, care of the Powerlifting team and in memory of Kelly Ray Firby.